When We Act (or Don’t): The Topography of Momentary Impulsive Action and Inaction

Impulsivity is a dynamic phenomenon shaped by situational context, yet it has historically been studied using static, trait-based measures. Moreover, impulsivity has been predominantly conceptualized as rash action, despite theoretical work suggesting that it may also be expressed as rash inaction, or the failure to act despite negative consequences. Using intensive ecological momentary assessment, the present study mapped the topography of daily impulsivity in a clinically enriched sample of 540 adults. Participants reported momentary impulsive behaviors and contextual information up to eight times per day over 15 days. Higher trait impulsivity was associated with greater within-person variability and instability in both impulsive action and inaction, and momentary impulsivity showed temporal dependency. Contextual factors differentially shaped impulsivity: action was more likely and intense later in the day, in public, and in social contexts, whereas inaction was more likely in the morning, at home, and during less structured activities.